10 22 Bull Barrel Selection

This is a discussion on 10 22 Bull Barrel Selection within the Ruger 10/22 Rimfire forums, part of the Rifle & Shotgun Forum category; I have decided to embark on my own 10 22 project. I have decided that, for now, the only modifications I want to make to ...

I have decided to embark on my own 10 22 project. I have decided that, for now, the only modifications I want to make to the 10 22 I'm buying is a new bull barrel and stock. I have the stock chosen already, but I want to make sure I buy the right barrel. I am set on a bull barrel with threads on the end (in the next year I hope to have a suppressor). From what I know, the only point of a fluted bull barrel is to lose a little weight and also make it look a little cooler. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Currently I have four choices, two are from a company called Hi-desertdog, one from PWS, and one from EABCO. My price range is $200 or less, and I'm open to quite a few suggestions. I'm not going to be picky about length or weight, but rather about price and accuracy.

I can give links upon request. I'm not an expert on barrels (if I were, why would I be asking?), and I'm not stupid, but sometimes you have to talk real slow-like. I really appreciate any help (and anyone that read this far!). Thanks!

My price range is $200 or less, and I'm open to quite a few suggestions. I'm not going to be picky about length or weight, but rather about price and accuracy.

What amount of performance are you needing? You could easily spend a little and get good accuracy or spend 2x as get a little better. How much is that little additional performance worth is your choice. Best bet is to stay in the 16"-18" length. No personal experience with them but hear good things about them - Tactical Solutions. Give them a look. Check and see if ER Shaw offers threaded options. PWS is supposed to be very good as well. Although pretty standard, be sure the thread on the barrel is to be compatible with the suppressor you're thinking of. Best to plan that far ahead.

For performance, I'm thinking 300 yards. I plan to use it to hunt prairie dogs in either Nebraska or South Dakota next year. I was just there last week, and the longest shot I took (with a 10 22, which is why I've decided on one) was 291 yards. Hit a bird, lol.
I'll check out Shaw and Tactical Solutions. I've seen quite a few TS barrels, didn't really pay much attention to them though. Thanks!

Ok, 300 yards brings it to a whole different light. Ahhh, for that range, you're looking at more than a $200 barrel. At a minimum you're looking at a Kidd but Shilen or Lilja would be better. Then you gotta think ammo. You're kinda pushing it on that as well. 22lr is rather lackluster out at those extended ranges. You can have good match ammo for that distance but it's just that, target purpose ammo. The stuff more suited for hunting would be iffy as far as accuracy at those ranges and still quite lackluster as far as terminal performance goes too. It would certainly be doable but with your barrel budget... Now also consider that you'd need a VERY GOOD trigger - think Kidd or Jard level stuff so there's $250+ just for the trigger. Now toss in a worthy scope and you're pushing $1000 and still no guarantee for the range you're wanting to shoot at. So you have all the parts now it's more than just slap, bang and you're ready. You'll be needing a good solid bedding job - more time, effort and $.
My opinion...300 yd varmints are better to take, and more ethical, with a centerfire. You can do it as you discovered but you gotta be able to do it consistently. That is only right for you the shooter and especially the animal. Clean ethical shots are what matter not having a suffering animal wait for either another shot or you to run the 300yds to dispatch it.

Well seems there IS something we can agree on. OMHO 300yds + .22LR + Inhumane at best- and that's if you actually connect with something other than dirt. Seriously- for varminting at 300 yards, you should SERIOUSLY forget about. 22 rimfire. A 22-250 would be accurate AND humane at that distance , IF you are as able as the rifle! Heck, even an accurate .223 would do on small varmints, just be sure you and the rifle are up to the task. Almost anyone can maim animals at a long distance ; only a sadist would want to (as opposed to clean kills).

Ok, I might change my purposes for this gun then. Of course I'm still going to use it to shoot prairie dogs, they don't die immediately either way, except of course for a head/heart-shot. Either way, I think I'm going to go with the PSW mostly because it's lightweight, has threads, and is under 220. I looked up TS, and could only find two barrels, both of which, to get threads, were over 220. And it seems like PSW is a good company.

My paper targets are a "kill" with every shot. I really wonder how much impact IS left in a 22 at 300yds? There's a you-tube video that shows a guy penetrating 1/2" plywood at 300. No claim for accuracy.

I think a 22 is more deadly than many seem to think at these ranges. The real problem is accurately hitting the target for a solid kill. Thats why a center fire cartridge might be best.

When I was growing up, we took a lot of "dogs", rats, and other varmints at extreme range with .22s, but my eyes were much better then.

Ethically, I shouldn't think of shooting them that way. They are animals, and I truly hate suffering. It's a horrible thing. Unfortunately for prairie dogs, I know that they are rodents, extreme pests to farmers, and prone to being very small in a scope's sights, making for unfortunate misses that make them die slower. I would prefer to make a head/heart-shot every time, but it's not possible. If I see one squirming, I'll take 2-3 more shots to try to finish it off (even with .223). After 2-3, it's pretty much a lost cause though. They die within 30 seconds almost every time. Only in some obvious cases will it take longer.
However, I think that because I'm trying to make this an under $600 gun, I'm going to stick with the 75-100 yrd range.